Search Results (3,108)

Molecular docking has emerged as a pivotal computational approach in agri-food research, offering a rapid and targeted means to discover bioactive molecules for crop protection and food safety. Its ability to predict and visualize interactions between natural or synthetic compounds and specific biological targets provides valuable opportunities to address urgent agricultural challenges, including climate change and the rise in resistant crop pathogens. By enabling the in silico screening of diverse chemical entities, this technique facilitates the identification of molecules with antimicrobial and antifungal properties, specifically designed to interact with critical enzymatic pathways in plant pathogens. Recent advancements, such as the integration of molecular dynamics simulations and artificial intelligence-enhanced scoring functions, have significantly improved docking accuracy by addressing limitations like protein flexibility and solvent effects. These technological improvements have accelerated the discovery of eco-friendly biopesticides and multifunctional nutraceutical agents. Promising developments include nanoparticle-based delivery systems that enhance the stability and efficacy of bioactive molecules. Despite its potential, molecular docking still faces challenges related to incomplete protein structures, variability in scoring algorithms, and limited experimental validation in agricultural contexts. This work highlights these limitations while outlining current trends and future prospects to guide its effective application in agri-food biotechnology. Full article

Consumer choices are largely influenced by sustainability, necessitating SMEs from the agri-food sector to strategically address sustainability and innovate their business models. Nonetheless, the challenge for such sustainable leadership lies in maintaining an equilibrium between innovation, sustainability, and financial performance. This study examined how strategic leadership fosters sustainability-oriented innovation within SMEs exemplified by the wine industry. A survey involving 354 German wineries served to analyze a multi-dimensional concept of innovation clusters (early adopters, pragmatists, pioneers, skeptics, conservatives), type of innovation, sustainability orientation, strategic ambitions, and business performance. Exploring the adoption of fungus-resistant grape varieties (FRV) allowed investigating how sustainability transitions to meet EU Green Deal targets are shaped by strategic groups involving strategic positioning and innovation clusters. There was a correlation between stronger sustainability orientation with greater innovation (Means up to 4.39). As per the findings, it was observed that high scores (p < 0.001, η² = 0.144–0.160) in market and process innovation were obtained by early adopters and pioneers. These innovation champions excel in economic and social sustainability (p < 0.001) but nonetheless were found to be financially underperforming (Means 1.97–2.18). Innovations that were applied enhanced innovation scores (η² = 0.128) but did not improve immediate performance. The strongest performance (Mean 2.60) was reported by skeptics though they fared poor in terms of sustainability and innovation. It was also noted that early adopters and pioneers (44–45%) were leading in FRV adoption, while a lag was observed within premium-oriented organizations. These insights may motivate SMEs in their quest for strategic sustainability and allow fine-tuning political and societal measures to achieve a sustainable transition and quantified Green Deal ambitions. It was concluded that long-term positioning was improved by sustainability-driven innovation, however, it would involve short-term performance trade-offs for SMEs. Political support should motivate the sustainable leadership champions to also safeguard profitability. Full article

Fig tree growth and development are highly susceptible to variations influenced by abiotic factors and management practices, including fertilization and training systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic and mineral fertilization on the photosynthetic, nutritional, and productive efficiency of fig trees subjected to different training systems in semi-arid regions. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, with three blocks and three plants per plot. The treatments consisted of five fertilizer sources (mineral fertilizer (NPK) applied at a dose of 126 g N, 90 g P, and 90 g K per plant (M); and four organic sources—cattle manure (CM), organic compost (OC), chicken litter (CL), and sheep manure (SM), all applied at a dose of 10 kg per plant); and four types of training systems (plants with two branches (2B), three branches (3B), four branches (4B), and espalier). Our results demonstrated that the mineral fertilizer (M) and chicken litter (CL) treatments yielded the highest results, particularly in photosynthetic performance. Fig trees fertilized with mineral fertilizer and subjected to the 3B system showed enhanced net photosynthesis (36.96 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and, consequently, higher productivity of 21.28 t ha⁻¹. Similarly, plants fertilized with chicken litter (CL) under the 4B system produced comparable results. These findings demonstrate that the use of mineral and organic fertilizers, combined with an appropriate training system, is a viable strategy for optimizing fig productivity and profitability in semi-arid conditions. Full article

Unlocking the potential for adaptability across different conditions or environments of under-characterized local bread wheat from Serbia and Bulgaria remains critical for resilient breeding. This study aimed to assess the diversity and potential for adaptability of 76 accessions (35 from Serbia and 41 from Bulgaria) by integrating molecular and agro-morphological approaches. Plant height ranged from 101.1 cm in Bulgarian cultivars to 130.1 cm in Serbian landraces, while the flowering time varied from 134.9 days in Bulgarian cultivars to 139.7 days in Serbian landraces. SSR markers detected 446 alleles (mean 9.49 per locus; PIC = 0.646), with Serbian landraces exhibiting the highest allelic richness (7.23 alleles per locus) and 106 private alleles. Bayesian clustering and UPGMA analyses revealed clear genetic differentiation between Serbian and Bulgarian accessions, with Serbian landraces showing higher admixture and substructure. Principal coordinate analysis confirmed these patterns and highlighted the intermediate positions of pre-Green Revolution Serbian cultivars. The local wheat germplasm harbors high genetic diversity and potential for adaptability, particularly for traits critical to environmental resilience. These findings underline the value of local wheat germplasm as a resource for developing sustainable breeding and conservation strategies. Full article

Proximal humerus fractures are frequent injuries that often require internal fixation. Conventional metallic plates, however, present significant drawbacks such as corrosion, secondary removal surgeries, and adverse reactions in patients with metal hypersensitivity. This study evaluates biocomposite plates fabricated from polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HA) derived from sugar industry by-products (BCF) at 10% and 20% concentrations. These composites are compatible with both injection molding and 3D printing, enabling the design of patient-specific implants. Characterization by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and DSC confirmed that BCF incorporation enhances strength, stiffness, osteoconductivity, and biocompatibility. Mechanical testing showed that PVA/BCF exhibited greater tensile strength and stiffness, suggesting suitability for load-bearing applications, though their water solubility restricts use in humid environments and prevents filament-based 3D printing. PLA/BCF composites demonstrated better processability, favorable mechanical performance, and compatibility with both manufacturing routes. Finite element analysis highlighted the importance of plate–humerus contact in stress distribution and fixation stability. Compared with non-biodegradable thermoplastics such as PEI and PEEK, PLA/BCF and PVA/BCF offer the additional advantage of controlled biodegradation, reducing the need for secondary surgeries. Cell viability assays confirmed cytocompatibility, with optimal outcomes at 10% BCF in PVA and 20% in PLA. These results position PLA/BCF and PVA/BCF as sustainable, patient-tailored alternatives to metallic implants, combining adequate mechanical support with bone regeneration potential. Full article

Over the past two decades, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems have shown significant potential in agriculture, from disease detection to the assessment of plant and fruit nutritional status. However, most applications remain confined to laboratory analyses under controlled conditions, with only a limited fraction implemented in field environments. In this scenario, spectral reconstruction techniques may serve as a bridge between the high accuracy of HSI and the challenges of on-field or even real-time applications. This review outlines the current state of the art of on-field HSI in the agrifood sector, highlighting existing limitations and potential advantages. It then introduces the problem of spectral reconstruction and reviews current techniques used to address it. Laboratory and on-field studies will be taken into account. The final section offers our perspective on the limitations of HSI and the promising potential of spectral super-resolution to overcome current barriers and enable broader adoption of hyperspectral technology in precision agriculture. Full article

Non-food geographical indications (GIs) are emerging as strategic policy instruments in the European Union after Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 extended protection to craft and industrial products. While the literature on agri-food GIs is extensive, empirical and comparative evidence on non-food GIs remains scarce and fragmented. This study addresses this gap by constructing a harmonised dataset, combining 132 registered and 380 potential non-food GIs identified by EUIPO (512 in total across the EU). Using secondary institutional data, descriptive and comparative statistics, and a hierarchical clustering (Ward, squared Euclidean distance) on normalised indicators total GIs, GIs per million inhabitants (GI/POP), and GIs per € billion of GDP (GI/GDP), the analysis identifies three country typologies differing by scale and intensity. Results reveal a strong geographical concentration in Southern Europe but also unexpectedly high intensity in smaller or mid-sized economies such as Portugal, Cyprus, and Slovenia. A forward-looking scenario analysis based on Cost of Non-Europe (CoNE) estimates suggests that the full implementation of the new Regulation could generate 284,000–338,000 new jobs and € 37–50 billion in additional intra-EU trade. The study contributes to EU policy debates by introducing comparative indicators (GI/POP, GI/GDP) as monitoring tools for evidence-based policymaking and by highlighting the role of non-food GIs as hybrid institutions connecting industrial competitiveness, cultural identity, and sustainability transitions. Full article

The deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is a core driver for digitalization and intelligence in agricultural and food engineering, boosting production efficiency, resource optimization, and product quality. This review systematically analyzes AI’s application scenarios, technical pathways, and challenges across the agricultural value chain. It aims to develop a structured taxonomy of AI-driven technical application mechanisms in agriculture, highlighting their roles in optimizing core agricultural processes. A systematic literature review was conducted using reputable databases, including Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SpringerLink, and Scopus, focusing on peer-reviewed articles from the last decade. Findings show that AI-enhanced techniques improve product quality and safety inspection efficiency. However, challenges like multi-source data synchronization barriers, high intelligent equipment costs, and model adaptability limitations in complex agricultural environments remain. This review contributes to the field by providing a unified framework for understanding AI applications in agri-food engineering, identifying key research gaps, and highlighting pathways for sustainable technology adoption that can benefit diverse agricultural stakeholders. Full article

The use of reclaimed water is crucial to prevent pollution from wastewater discharges and mitigate the water deficit faced by irrigation districts or other non-potable water users. Therefore, the zero-discharge strategy represents a significant challenge for coastal cities affected by marine pollution from effluents. In regions such as the Mediterranean arc, agricultural areas located near these cities are increasingly exposed to reduced water allocations or rising irrigation demands due to the impacts of climate change. To address this dual challenge, a circular system is proposed through the implementation of hybrid treatment technologies that enable zero wastewater discharge into the sea. This approach would contribute up to 30 hm³ of reclaimed water annually for irrigation, covering approximately 27,000 hectares of cropland in the province of Alicante. The proposed system integrates advanced techniques, such as reverse osmosis, to ensure irrigation water quality, while also considering partial blending strategies to optimize resource use. Additionally, constructed wetlands are incorporated to regulate and treat the reject streams produced by these processes, minimizing their environmental impact. This combined strategy enhances water reuse efficiency, strengthens agricultural resilience, and provides a sustainable model for managing water resources in coastal Mediterranean regions. Full article

In the context of China’s increasingly competitive agricultural product branding, authenticity has become a pivotal mechanism for shaping consumer trust and willingness to pay. This study takes Perceived Brand Authenticity (PBA) as its focal construct and builds a chained mediation framework incorporating experiential quality (EQ) and consumer trust. Employing a dual-evidence strategy that combines structural discovery and causal validation, the study integrates Jaccard similarity clustering and PLS-SEM to examine both behavioral patterns and psychological mechanisms. Drawing on 636 valid survey responses from across China, the results reveal clear segmentation in channel choice, certification concern, and premium acceptance by gender, age, income, and education. Younger and highly educated consumers rely more on e-commerce and digital traceability, while middle-aged, older, and higher-income groups emphasize geographical indications and organic certification. The empirical analysis confirms that PBA has a significant positive effect on EQ and consumer trust, and that the chained mediation pathway “PBA → EQ → Trust → Purchase Intention” robustly captures the transmission mechanism of authenticity. The findings demonstrate that verifiable and consistent authenticity signals not only shape cross-group consumption structures but also strengthen trust and repurchase intentions through enhanced experiential quality. The core contribution of this study lies in advancing an evidence-based framework for sustainable agricultural branding. Theoretically, it reconceptualizes authenticity as a measurable governance mechanism rather than a rhetorical construct. Methodologically, it introduces a dual-evidence approach integrating Jaccard clustering and PLS-SEM to bridge structural and causal analyses. Practically, it proposes two governance tools—“evidence density” and “experiential variance”—which translate authenticity into actionable levers for precision marketing, trust management, and policy regulation. Together, these insights offer a replicable model for authenticity governance and consumer trust building in sustainable agri-food systems. Full article

Transportation networks are critical lifelines in national infrastructure but are increasingly exposed to risks arising from climate variability, cyber threats, aging assets, and limited resources. This paper presents a scoping review of 58 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 that examine the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strengthening infrastructure resilience, with transportation systems adopted as the strategic case. The review classifies applications along five dimensions: technological approach, infrastructure sector, transportation linkage, resilience/security aspect, and key research gaps. Findings show that AI, machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) dominate current applications, particularly in predictive maintenance, intelligent monitoring, early-warning systems, and optimization. These applications extend beyond transport to energy, water, and agri-food systems that indirectly sustain transport resilience. Persistent challenges include affordability, data scarcity, infrastructural limitations, and limited real-world validation, especially in Sub-Saharan African contexts. The paper synthesizes cross-sector pathways through which AI enhances transport resilience and outlines practical implications for policymakers and practitioners. A targeted research agenda is also proposed to address methodological gaps, enhance deployment in resource-constrained settings, and promote hybrid and explainable AI for trust and scalability. Full article

Food industry generates substantial waste, raising economic and environmental concerns. Green Chemistry (GC) highlights the extraction of nutritional and bioactive compounds as a key strategy for waste valorization, driving interest in sustainable methods to recover valuable compounds efficiently. This review evaluates the sustainability of widely used emerging extraction technologies—Microwave-, Ultrasound- and Enzyme-Assisted, as well as Supercritical Fluid Extraction—and their alignment with GC principles for agri-food waste valorization. It first outlines the principles, key parameters, and main advantages and limitations of each technique. Subsequently, sustainability is then assessed in selected studies using the Analytical GREEnness Metric Approach (AGREEprep). By calculating the greenness score (GS), this metric quantifies the adherence of extraction processes to sustainability standards. The analysis reveals variations within the same extraction method, influenced by solvent choice and operating conditions, as well as differences across the techniques, highlighting the importance of process design in achieving green and efficient valorization. Full article

The transition from soft to hard law is reshaping global agri-food governance, particularly in relation to sustainability and corporate responsibility. This article analyzes this shift by examining two regulatory approaches: voluntary instruments such as the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains and binding EU directives like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Using a qualitative and interpretive methodology, the study combines a literature review and two case studies (Nicoverde and Lavazza) to explore the evolution from soft law to hard law and the synergies and analyze how these tools are applied in the Italian agri-food sector and how they can contribute to improving corporate sustainability performance. Findings show that soft law has paved the way for more rigorous regulation, but the increasing compliance burden poses challenges, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These cases serve as virtuous examples to illustrate how soft and hard law interact in practice, offering concrete insights into the translation of general sustainability principles into corporate strategies. A hybrid governance framework—combining voluntary and binding tools—can foster sustainability if supported by coherent policies, stakeholder collaboration and adequate support mechanisms. The study offers practical insights for both companies and policymakers navigating the evolving legal scenario. Full article

Interest in consumer behavior regarding agri-food products is growing, particularly in the context of sustainable and local consumption. This study examines consumer perceptions of certified mountain products in Romania, with a specific focus on cow’s milk. A structured survey was conducted among 576 respondents from the Bucharest–Ilfov metropolitan area, representing the target population of regular food consumers. The data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods in SPSS, including chi-square tests and contingency coefficients, to evaluate consumer awareness, attitudes, and their willingness to pay. The results reveal that although awareness of the “mountain product” label is high (88.9%), its direct influence on purchase decisions remains limited, with price, brand, and origin playing stronger roles. Nevertheless, 95% of respondents expressed willingness to pay a premium price, and over 70% associated mountain certification with health benefits and higher quality. These findings highlight both the potential and current limitations of certification as a market-based tool to support sustainable consumption and the economic resilience of mountain areas. The study contributes empirical evidence from a less explored national context. It offers insights for policymakers, producers, and retailers seeking to strengthen short food supply chains and consumer trust in certified labels. Full article

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a leading cause of infectious corneal blindness worldwide. Human donor corneal transplantation remains the primary treatment for scarred corneas resulting from herpes simplex keratitis (HSK), a severe inflammatory corneal disease caused by HSV-1 infection, despite a high risk of re-infection or immune rejection of the allografts. As possible alternatives to donor grafting for HSK, we developed cell-free, regeneration-stimulating corneal implants designed to work even under adverse inflammatory situations such as severe infections. The implants comprised short, fully synthetic collagen-like peptides conjugated to polyethylene glycol (CLP-PEG) and crosslinked using carbodiimide chemistry. Being cell-free, they lacked the cellular targets that an already activated immune system would encounter in these inflamed corneas. We tested the performance of these implants in guinea pig and rabbit models of HSK. Three different HSV-1 strains were used to create experimental HSK in rabbits and guinea pigs. There were no overall statistically significant species differences or species–strain differences in virus-induced mortality. At three months post-operation, all treated corneas showed tissue regeneration, but with haze or neovascularization. The initially cell-free CLP-PEG implants allowed for repopulation by ingrowing cells to regenerate neocorneal tissue, despite the inflammation. However, they did not prevent HSV-1 reactivation nor re-infection, as neovascularization and disorganization were observed within the neocorneas. A detailed histopathological examination revealed viral strain differences, but only KOS infection showed interspecies neovascularization differences. A more detailed examination with larger numbers of animals is merited to fully elucidate the effects of the different viral strains on rabbits versus guinea pigs. Full article